Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will remain closed until Hamas returns the bodies of deceased hostages, as both sides traded blame over alleged ceasefire violations.
The announcement came after the Palestinian embassy in Egypt said Rafah would reopen on Monday for entry into Gaza. Netanyahu rejected that claim, saying reopening depended on Hamas fulfilling its commitments under the U.S.-brokered ceasefire.
Washington later said it had received “credible reports” of an imminent Hamas attack against civilians, warning it would be a “grave violation” of the truce. Hamas denied the accusations, blaming Israel for arming “criminal gangs” in Gaza and accusing the U.S. of echoing what it called a “misleading narrative.”
Bodies, aid, and fragile peace
Israel said it had received 12 out of 28 hostage bodies agreed under the ceasefire deal, while Hamas insisted the search for others was slowed by rubble and aid restrictions. The militant group accused Israel of blocking equipment needed for recovery efforts.
The war has left Gaza devastated. Nearly all residents have been displaced, famine has been confirmed by global monitors, and hospitals remain overwhelmed.
Under the U.S.-brokered agreement, Hamas released all 20 living Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees. Israel, in turn, was to return 360 bodies of Palestinian militants for the deceased Israeli hostages, so far, only a fraction of that has happened.
Unresolved issues in Trump’s plan
Rafah has largely remained shut since May 2024, reopening only briefly during humanitarian pauses. The current truce increased aid deliveries to about 560 metric tons of food per day, still far below Gaza’s need, according to the U.N. World Food Programme.
Major questions remain unresolved under U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, including Hamas’s disarmament, Gaza’s future governance, and the composition of an international stabilisation force. The creation of a Palestinian state also remains uncertain, a formidable obstacle to lasting peace.
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Russia has said it is ready to act as a mediator between Iran and the United States as tensions escalate over protests in Iran and warnings of possible military action.
Iran reopened its airspace late on Wednesday after a near five-hour closure that disrupted airline traffic, amid heightened concerns over possible military escalation involving the United States.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 15th of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The Trump administration will suspend all visa processing for visitors from 75 countries beginning 21 January 2026, according to a State Department memo reported by media.
Saudi Arabia has informed Iran that it will not allow its territory or airspace to be used for any military action against Tehran, according to two sources close to the kingdom’s government cited by AFP.
Sweden is sending a group of military officers to Greenland at Denmark’s request, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Wednesday, as Nordic countries and NATO allies step up coordination around the Arctic territory.
Israel and Arab States have urged the U.S. to delay any potential military action against Iran, warning that such a move could undermine ongoing protests inside the country, according to NBC News.
Romania has reiterated its openness to discussions on a potential unification with neighbouring Republic of Moldova, following recent remarks by Moldova’s president.
U.S. citizens in Iran have been advised to leave the country as soon as possible, amid growing instability in the region and concerns that travel routes could close with little warning.
Russia has said it is ready to act as a mediator between Iran and the United States as tensions escalate over protests in Iran and warnings of possible military action.
U.S. President Donald Trump has questioned whether Reza Pahlavi, the son of the late shah of Iran, would be able to command enough support inside Iran to lead the country if its clerical leadership were to fall.
Iran reopened its airspace late on Wednesday after a near five-hour closure that disrupted airline traffic, amid heightened concerns over possible military escalation involving the United States.
Ukraine has declared a state of emergency in its energy sector after sustained Russian attacks severely damaged power and heating infrastructure, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday.
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